Diffractometer



Nov. 16, 1965 Original Filed Feb. 29, 1960 T. c. FURNAS, JR 3,218,458

DIFFRACTOMETER 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ,2 77/0M45 C. KUPAAS, J4.

Nov. 16, 1965 T. c. FURNAS, JR 3,218,453

DIFFRACTOMETER Original Filed Feb. 29. 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 I IN V ENTOR.

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DIFFRACTOMETER Original Filed Feb. 29. 1960 s Sheets-Shet s I55 I58 14INVENTOR.

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DIFFRACTOMETER Original Filed Feb. 29. 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 iz jx w Nv- 1 'r. c. FURNAS, JR 3,213,453

DIFFRACTOMETER Original Filed Feb. 29. 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 38 38 J-160 11! I FIG. /3

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United States Patent 3,218,458 DIFFRACTOMETER Thomas C. Furuas, Jr.,Cleveland Heights, Ohio, assignor to Picker X-Ray Corporation, WaiteManufacturing Division, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of OhioContinuation of abandoned application Ser. No. 12,492, Feb. 29, 1960.This application Nov. 2, 1962, Ser. No.

48 Claims. (Cl. 250'51.5)

This application is a continuation of my application Serial No. 12,492,filed February 29, 1960, now abandoned.

This invention pertains to a mechanism for non-destructive X-rayanalysis and more particularly to that class of mechanisms usually knowngenerically as diftractometers.

X-ray diffractometry and related arts, such as X-ray spectography, arenow well-established scientific techniques. Through the art ofdifiractometry it is possible to analyze a specimen as to chemicalcontent, as to physical properties and characteristics and as to spacialdistribution and location of atoms and molecules without destroying thatspecimen. The usual technique is to position a specimen on a rotatablesupport. An X-ray tube is positioned in spaced relationship with thespecimen and the specimen is irradiated by a suitably collimated beam ofX-rays. The specimen will ditiract the rays into a pattern which ischaracteristic to the specimen such that this pattern will, to theexperienced observer, reveal these mentioned chemical and physicalproperties and characteristics, and through mathematical computationsthe mentioned spacial distribution can be determined.

One of the arts related to difiractometry utilizes what are known asdiifraction cameras. With a diffraction camera a film is positionedaround the specimen and a photograph of difiracted rays is obtained. Adiffractometer on the other hand is usually considered to encompass amechanism wherein the diffracted rays are measured by a suitabledetector, such as a scintillometer.

The detector is positioned on a suitable suport which is rotatablerelative to both the specimen and the X-ray tube. The detector ispositioned, prior to the start of a study, in the path along whichX-rays will be diffracted from the specimen. The specimen will then berotated, often back and forth, through an angle variously referred to astheta or as omega. The theta angle is the angle between the X-ray beamand a diflYraction plane of a crystal under study. The diffracted rayswill also be at an angle theta with this plane. The omega angle is theangle between the normal to a given reference plane in the specimen andthe diffraction vector or bisector of the angle between the incident andthe diffracted X-ray beams. As the specimen is rotated through an angle,theta, the detector must be rotated twice as rapidly through an angle,two-theta, to maintain its position in the path of the difiracted rays.Accordingly, the detector is usually supported on a suport which isknown as the two-theta support.

Many prior proposals have been made for mechanisms to conduct thedescribed studies. These mechanisms have been limited in their use.Normally, prior mechanisms have been designed for operation about only avertical or only a horizontal axis of specimen rotation, not both.

The present mechanism is especially designed to be used either with itsaxis vertical or horizontal.

Few, if any, of these prior mechanisms have permitted both right andleft handed use. By this it is meant, positioning the X-ray tubeselectively on either side of the specimen. The present mechanism isdesigned to be assembled in either the right or left handed version.This feature of the mechanism facilitates the pairing of two mechanismsfor simultaneous use with the same X-ray tube.

The design of prior mechanisms has been such that the X-ray tube is notsupported directly by the mechanism but instead the tube is primarilysupported by a separate support. This method of support of the X-raytube generally results in difficult alignment procedures.

In addition, thermal variations of the mechanism and X- ray tube supportproduce misalignment of the mechanism.

In the present mechanism the X-ray tube is usually supported entirely bythe mechanism thus eliminating the difliculty of alignment and thepossibility of misalignment caused by thermal expansion of a separatetube support.

Prior mechanisms have not provided a means for changing what is known asthe take oif angle of the target without disturbing the precisealignment of the mechanism. This take ofi angle is the angle of theplane of the X-ray tube makes to the line of the selected X-ray beam.The present mechanism provides for micrometer adjustment of take offangle through a suitable range of, for example, from zero to tendegrees, without affecting the precise alignment of the mechanism.

Further, the construction of prior mechanisms has made the conduction ofsome studies extremely difiicult and made other studies practicallyimpossible. For example, the X-ray study of a given specimen while it isunder stress in a tensile machine has been so impracticable with priormechanisms that only the most elementary and rudimentary attempts atsuch an examination have been possible. Positioning a suitable furnacealong the axis of rotation of a difiractorneter to study a specimenwhile it is heated to very high temperature has produced equal if notgreater difiiculties.

In same types of studies, such as with a furnace, or a stressed object,it is desirable to put the specimen in fixed position relative to thebase of the diflFractometer and other mechanisms. The X-ray tube anddetector must then both be rotated about the specimen. With priormechanisms this type of study was essentially impossible to performsince these mechanisms have required the rotation of the specimen ontheir central axis and the rotation thereabout (a) usually of thedetector while the X- ray tube is fixed relative to the difiractometerbase, (b) occasionally of the X-ray tube while the detector is heldfixed (c) but not of both the X-ray tube and the detectorsimultaneously.

The new and improved X-ray tube support, a novel power train and a newand improved support of the to tatable elements all coact to permitthese listed and other advantages to be obtained. Whereas most priormechanism envelop a permanently coupled 2:1 gear drive to accomplish thetheta and two theta motion, the present mechanism provides a novelbearing structure which affords a greater applicability in use thanprior known mechanisms.

This structure is a rugged sleeve bearing comprised primarily of threeparts. An inside hollow sleeve is fixed to the ditiractometer frame. Twoconcentric sleeves fit over the inside sleeve in such a manner that bothof the outside sleeves are independently rotatable. One worm gear isattached to each of these sleeves so that they can be worm driven.

It is apparent that these two sleeves can be driven in a number of waysto produce any desired angular positioning of specimen, detector andX-ray source. With this arrangement a wide variety of studies areobtainable. The usual diliractometer arrangement may be set up in whichthe X-ray tube is mounted in a fixed position in space; the specimenrotates at an angular velocity theta; the detecr is synchronized torotate at an angular velocity twoeta. In this version, the specimenwould be positioned 1 the inside rotatable sleeve While the detectorwould be tached by an apron to the outside sleeve.

As another example, the specimen may be moved inde- :ndently while thedetector and X-ray tube are fixed in ace. This motion herein beingreferred to as the omega otion. The omega motion is necessary anddesirable, for :ample for producing rocking curves of crystals and vari-1S specimen.

As a third example, the one motor may be driven in verse while the othermotor is also driven to hold the ecimen stationary in space and rotatethe detector. As another example, a 1:1 gearing at the two worm ives maybe used to move both the inside and outside ltating sleeves at equalangular velocities so that by fixg the specimen on the fixed sleeve, theX-ray tube on e outside sleeve, the detector on the inside rotatableeeve; one can eflect another motion. This arrangeent is not available inprior mechanism. This fourth otion is used for the study of-suchphenomena as difaction from a liquid surface and dilfraction of speciensbeing treated in such cumbersome devices as earlier entioned furnacesand tensile mechanisms.

While the described structure permits this wide variety motion, it alsohas the advantage of permitting the inter of the bearing structure to becompletely open 1d free. This open center allows a wide latitude in thepe of studies which can be conducted. For example, e mentioned furnaceand tensile studies can be perarmed with the furnace or tensile specimenpositioned a fixed relationship relative to the diffractometer frame 1dextending right through the center of the bearing ructure. Additionally,vacuum pumps and other apiratus may be brought through thediffractometer base om the side opposite the X-ray tube, detector andthe ke so as to afford complete freedom in conducting a udy while usingany desired type of mechanism in conlnction with that study.

In order to conduct simultaneous studies with the same :-ray tube it isnecessary to pair diffractometers.

The improved diffractometer can be paired with a )mparable mechanism foreither horizontal or vertical peration. When this dilfractorneter ispaired for operaon with horizontal axes the two difiractometers can be Ieither side-by-side or face-to-face relationship. With rior knownmechanisms only the face-to-face relationlip has been possible.

Another of the features of the new mechanism is that re entire geartrain is mounted in a removable unit. his removable unit is selectivelyinsertable within the firactometer frame for connection with thesleeves. hrough this technique a simplified manufacturing tech- .que isobtained. Either, very highly accurate power ains or less accuratetrains suitable for most studies lay be mounted selectively one at atime Within the same firactometer mechanism. A suitable power train maya selected and inserted in the difiractometer housing to rovide a geartrain of any desired degree of accuracy 1d gear ratio. Further, repairand maintenance is 'eatly simplified since the entire power train can be:moved and another substituted upon mechanical failure E the train.

With prior arrangements, it has been difiicult to prevent :catterradiation from leaking out at such places as here the collimator isconnected to the housing of the i-ray tube. In addition, it has not beenpossible to con- :ct a collimator to an X-ray tube While the tube was toperation to conduct, for example, a study through a :cond collimator.

These disadvantages are overcome by the present in- :ntion in that asimplified and improved adjustable suport for the X-ray tube has beendevised. In addition, simplified and improved shutter window has beendeised which permits a collimator to be connected to and aligned with anX-ray tube housing though the tube may be in operation for theconduction of another study.

Another advantage of this device is that removable position indicatorsare provided. The structure is constructed such that the indicators canbe connected to the power train in any of a plurality of selectedpositions to place these indicators in a convenient location for any ofthe wide varieties of types of studies that can be conducted.

A more specific advantage of the invention is that separate clutches areprovided in the power train so that one can selectively move, eithermanually or under power, either of the two rotatable sleeves to positionthe sleeves properly in a desired orientation relative to one another.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had byreferring to the following description and claims taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one of the novel and improveddiifractometers;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view of the novel and improved bearing andsupport structure as seen from the plane indicated by the line 22 ofFIGURE 1 and on an enlarged scale with respect to FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view of the device as seen from the planeindicated by the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 and on an enlarged scale withrespect to FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view of a portion of the removable supplementalhousing and power train, a drive motor, and the connection for joiningthe removable supplemental gear housing to the main housing;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of the improved clutch employed in thismechanism as seen from the plane indicated by the line 5-5 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view of the pivotal support for the supplementalgear housing as seen the plane indicated by the line 6-6 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 7 is an exploded view of the novel and improved pivotal supportconnection for an X-ray tube;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary sectional view as seen from the planeindicated by the line 8-8 of FIGURE 13 showing two of the adjustablefeet for leveling the diffractometer when it is positioned on one of itsends;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged sectional view of the novel X-ray tube anodealignment mechanism as seen from the plane indicated by the line 9-9 ofFIGURE 1;

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the connection ofthe X-ray tube anode support bracket to the housing;

FIGURE 11 is an exploded view of the novel and improved shuttermechanism;

FIGURE 12 is a sectional view of the shutter mechamsrn;

FIGURE 13 is a side elevational view showing a pair of difiractometerspositioned for the simultaneous conduction of a pair of studies;

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of the device showing a vacuum furnacearrangement connected thereto; and,

FIGURE 15 is a side elevational view of the device showing anapplication for the study of radioactive materials.

Referring now to the drawings, a diffractometer housing is showngenerally at 10. The housing 10 includes upper and lower walls 11, 12which are spaced and parallel. The upper wall 11 is in two sections 11aand 11b, FIGURE 1. These sections, and the parts connected to them, areeach removable for reasons which will be described in detail below. Thehousing 10 also includes spaced non-parallel end walls 13, 14. The lowerwall 12 and the end walls 13, 14 are each base or support walls whichmay support the diifractometer and which may carry leveling screws uponwhich the diffractometer may be positioned.

The housing 10 also has a side wall 15 which extends from one end wallto the other and intersects each at approximately an equal angle. Themajority of the other side of the housing is defined by a pair ofnon-parallel side wall portions 16, 17 each of which terminates at oneof the end walls. The side wall portion 16 terminates at the end wall 13and is normal to it. The side wall portion 17 terminates at the end wall14 and is normal to it. The side wall portion 16, 17 are abutmentsurfaces which may serve to properly locate a pair of the housings whentwo diffractometers are paired in a fashion similar to that shown inFIGURE 13. Analysis of the drawings and of the foregoing descriptionwill show that in the preferred and disclosed arrangement, the entirehousing 10 is symmetrical about a plane which perpendicularly bisectsthe upper and lower walls 11, 12 and the side wall 15.

Omega and two theta motions The lower wall 12 has the aperture 20 formedthrough it. An annular support member 21 projects into the lower wallaperture 20, FIGURE 2. The annular support has a eripherally extendingannular flange 22 which rests on an inner surface 23 of the lower wall12. The annular support 21 is secured to the lower wall 12. The support21 projects axially through an aperture 24 formed in the upper wall.

An inner or middle sleeve 25 is journaled on the outer surface of thesupport 21. A thrust bearing 26 is interposed between the base of theinner sleeve 25 and the annular flange or shoulder 22 of the support 21.A retaining ring 27 is secured to the top of support 21 and overlies ashoulder 28 formed on the sleeve 25 to secure the sleeve and support 21together in axially fixed relationship.

The inner sleeve has a radially projecting annular flange 30 projectingoutwardly therefrom near the lower end. A second and outer sleeve 31 isjournaled on the periphery of the inner sleeve 25. A thrust bearing 32is positioned between the lower end of the outer sleeve 31 and the innersleeve flange 30. An outer sleeve retaining ring 33 is secured to thetop end of the inner sleeve 25 and overlies the outer sleeve 31 tosecure the two sleeves together in axially fixed relationship. Thesupport 20 and the sleeves 25, 31 are coaxially disposed with theircommon axis disposed in the described plane of symmetry. 0 rings 19 areinterposed between the support 21 and the inner sleeve and between thesleeves 25, 31.

This described journaling relationship of the two sleeves 25, 31 and thesupport 21 provides one of the outstanding advantages of this invention.The described structure permits the support 21 to have the very largepassage 34 formed through it. This passage, or aperture, 34 greatlyfacilitates the conduction of ditfraction studies since it may be usedto permit a wide variety of studies such as those shown in FIGURES 14and 15. Still other studies are greatly facilitated through theprovision of tapped holes 29 in the base of support 21. Such accessorydevices as a vacuum pump may be connected to the base of thediffractometer for a wide variety of other studies to be conductedwithout the accessories limiting the range of the diifractorneter in anyway.

The middle or inner sleeve 25 may be referred to as the omega sleeve andit is sometimes referred to as the theta sleeve. The omega sleeve mayhave a specimen support 35 to it. As indicated in FIGURE 1, amongothers, a specimen shown at 36 is carried by the support.

The outer sleeve 31 is what may be referred to as a two-theta sleeve.This two-theta sleeve 31 carries a support mounting ring 42. A radiallyprojecting support arm 37 is attached to the support mounting ring 42. Adetector 38 may be connected to the support arm 37. The usual mechanismknown as a Soller Slit 39 may also be mounted on the support arm 37.

Annular sleeve drive gears 40, 41 are connected to the inner and outersleeves 25, 31, respectively. The drive gears 40, 41 may be identifiedrespectively as the omega and two-theta gears. Omega and two-theta worms43, 44, engage the gears 40, 41, respectively. The engagement of theworms 43, 44 with the gears 40, 41 and the 6 driving of the worms 43, 44will be described in greater detail below.

Tube support and adjustment An X-ray tube housing 45 is adjustably andremovablj carried by the main housing 10. The tube housing 45 ispreferably rectangular. One surface of the housing 45 rests on a housingsupport bar 46. The support bar 4( is fixed to a generally U-shapedbracket 150, FIGURES 1 and 13. The bracket 150 is removably secured toone of the removable sections 1112, of the housing wall 11 The bracketis retained in place by screws 152, FIGURE 1. The X-ray tube has asquare end 47 of reduced crosssectional area. One face of the square end47 is pivotally connected to a Z-shaped bracket 48. As is best seen it.FIGURE 10, the Z-shaped bracket 48 is removably connected to the housing10 by threading screws 49 intc tapped holes 50 which are provided in theupper section 11b. Dowel pins 54 provide locating indicia for thebracket 48 on the section 1111.

At the upper end of the bracket a novel and improved swivel adjustmentconnection 51 is provided. The de tails of construction of the swivelconnection 51 will be described with greater clarity below. The swivelconnection 51 serves as a pivot for the X-ray tube 47 and housing 45which rests on the bar 46. A pivot adjustment screw 52 is threaded intoa threaded hole 153, FIGURE 8, in the tube bracket 150 to adjustablypivot the X-ray tube housing 45 about the pivot provided by 51. Throughthis adjustment the angular alignment of the focal spot 159 of the X-raytube anode and the specimen is obtained.

As has been indicated, one of the advantages of this unit is that theunit may be operated as either a left or a right hand diffractometer.This selection can be obtained by removing the tube brackets 48 and 150and placing them on the opposite end of the housing. With such a change,however, realignment of the tube with the upper wall section 11b isrequired. This realignment is avoided by the simple expedient ofremoving one upper wall section 11b and the connected tube and bracketas a unit, for example, the righthand arrangement shown in FIGURE 1,and-substituting another upper wall section with another tube andbracket connected as the other hand, such as the lefthand arrangementshown at the left in FIGURE 13. Suitable screws 155, FIGURE 1, anddowels 156, one shown in FIGURE 8, may be provided to facilitate thissubstitution.

Referring now to FIGURES 7 and 9, a novel adjusting support of the X-raytube anode end is shown. A sphere segment is secured to a verticaladjustment screw 93 which is threaded into the tube support bracket 48.An annular spherical bearing member 94, having a surface which co-actswith the sphere segment 90, is secured to a base adjustment member 95. Acentral adjustment member 96, having a tongue 97 disposed in acomplemented groove in the base adjustment member 95, is also provided.A top adjustment member 98 straddles the central adjustment member 97.The top adjustment member 98 has a groove 99 which receives theco-acting tongue 100 on the central adjustment member 96.

Adjustment screws 101 pass through apertures in side flanges 102 on thebase adjustment member 95 and thread into the central adjustment member96. Rotation of the adjustment screws 101 will cause the centraladjustment member and the top adjustment member to shift lineallyrelative to the base member along the path defined by the base memberengaging tongue 97 and its co-acting groove.

An adjustment screw 105 passes through an aperture in one of flanges 106of the top adjustment member. The adjustment screw 105 threads into thecentral adjustment member to cause adjustment of the top member relativeto the central and base members along the path defined by tongue andgroove 100, 99. A set screw 107 threads into another aperture in thesame one of the flanges 106 to co-act with the adjustment screw 105 onobtaining and 7 cking this adjustment of the top member relative to thentral and base members. Spring clamp members 109 are connected to theflanges l6 of the top adjustment member. The spring clamp embers 109straddle ears 110 on the base adjustment ember. Tightening of screws 111which connect the ring clamp members 109 into member holding engageentwith the ears 110.

The top adjustment member 98 is secured to an X-ray be anode coolingjacket 112 which in turn is fixed to e anode end 47 of the X-ray tube.

Drive elements One of the unique features of this ditfractometer is thate entire motor and gear arrangement is an integral unit trried withinthe housing 10. This unit includes a secidary housing or frame 55 whichis removably mounted ithin the housing or frame 10. The top wall section11b removable to permit access to the secondary housing and to permitremoval of the drive assembly as a unit. The secondary housing 55 restson a pair of locating ops 56, 57, FIGURES 4 and 6, respectively, whichare irmed in the housing lower wall 12. The secondary )using 55 isbearinged on a removable pivot 58 which threaded into the locatingprojection 57. The second- 'y housing 55 loosely fits over a locatingstop 59 which threaded into the locating projection 56. Within a tngedelimited by the size of aperture 60 through which re locating stop 50projects, the secondary housing 55 is .votal about the pivot 58. Aspring 61 is interposed :tween the main and secondary housings 10, 55and rge the secondary housing 55 inwardly about the pivot 3. This inwardurging by the spring 61 maintains the igagement between the omega andtwo-theta drive 'orms 43, 44 and the omega and two-theta gears 40, 41,,

:spect-ively.

A main drive motor 63 is provided. The main drive rotor is connected,through a suitable gear train desigated at 64, to a drive shaft 65. Thedrive shaft 65 ex- :nds the entire length of the secondary housing 55.The rive shaft 65 projects from the opposite ends of the ousing topermit an indicator knob 66 to be removably :cured to the shaft atlefthand side of the drawing as 1own in FIGURE 3 or to shaft end 67projecting from 1e opposite end of the housing, the right as seen inIGURE 3. A side wall indicator shaft 68 is also proided which projectstoward an opening in the side wall 5. Thus, the indicator may beselectively positioned ad [cent a selected one of the end walls 13, 14or the side 'all 15.

A pinion gear 70 is secured to the drive shaft 65. The inion gear 70engages and drives a two-theta pinion ear 71 which is secured to anddrives the two-theta worm 4. A differential 72 is provided which has afirst end ear 69 positioned immediately below the two-theta gear 1 andvisible in FIGURE 4. The 1st end gear 69 is riven by the pinion gear 70.The planetary of the difzrential 72 is secured to the omega Worm 43 todrive it t one-half the speed of the two-theta worm 44 when re maindrive motor 63 is operating and a second dif- :rential end gear 82 islocked. It should be noted that )r clarity of illustration in FIGURE 4the differential end ears 69, 82 are shown of different size but theymay, in ractice, be of identical size.

A specimen drive motor 73 is provided. The specimen rive motor isconnected through suitable gearing 74 to specimen drive shaft 75. Thespecimen drive shaft 75 l connected to the differential 72 and to aspecimen posion indicating shaft 76.

During normal operation either the main drive motor 3 or the specimendrive motor 73 is used. Normally, the W0 motors are not operated at thesame time. Thereore, if the main drive motor is operating the specimenrive gear train 74 serves as a brake to lock one side of he differential72 and cause the half speed motion of the omega worm 43. If the specimendrive motor 73 is operating and the main drive motor 63 is idle, themain drive gearing 64 serves as a brake to hold the main drive shaft 65and directly connected two-theta worm 44 motionless. Thus, all of themotion provided by the specimen drive motor 73 is utilized to cause thespecimen or omega worm 43 and any connected indicators to rotate.

The indicator shaft 76 like the main drive shaft 65, extends through thelength of the supplemental housing 55 :and projects from both endsthereof. A specimen indicator 77 is removably connected to one end ofthe specimen shaft 76 just as an indicator 66 is removably connected toone end of the drive shaft 65. The specimen shaft 76 has an opposite end78 which may, like the end 67 of the shaft 65, receive an indicator. Inaddition, a side wall specimen indicator shaft 79 is provided to opcratein a fashion comparable to the side wall indicator shaft 68.

Manual positioning To facilitate set up of a study, clutches areprovided which permit the worms 43, 44 to be selectively and manuallypositioned relatively quickly. The manual positioning is obtained byrotating a selected one of a pair of hand cranks 91, 92 secured to theindicators 66, 77, re-

spectively.

A main drive clutch shown generally at 80 is connected to the main driveshaft 65 and is interposed between main drive gear train 64 and thepinion 70. A comparable specimen drive clutch 81 is connected to thespecimen drive shaft and is interposed between the specimen drive geartrain 74 and the differential end gear 82. The clutches 80, 81 areidentical in construction and therefore only the details of clutch willbe described in detail.

A worm wheel 83 is driven by a worm 84 which forms a part of the maindrive gear train 64. The worm wheel 83 is fixed to a worm drive member85 which is journaled on the main drive shaft 65. The worm drive member85 and the worm wheel 83 rest against the thrust washer 86 which iscarried bythe main drive shaft 65 and secured against axial movementrelative to the shaft.

A spline 86 is fixed to the main drive shaft 65. An annular internalgear member 87 is engaged with the spline and axially movable relativeto the spline and the shaft 65. The annular gear member 87 and the wormdrive member 85 have coacting radially disposed teeth at 88 whichprevent relative rotation of the two when engaged. A Belleville spring89 is interposed between the annular gear member and the spline andprojects into annular grooves in each. When the members are in theposition shown in FIGURE 5 the clutch is engaged and rotation of theworm 84 will drive the shaft 65. Manipulation of clutch control member90, FIGURE 3, will shift the annular gear member 87 axially to the rightas seen in FIG- URE 5 and snap the Belleville spring 89 over centeruntil the spring urges the gear member in a direction away fromengagement with the drive member 85. This is the position shown inphantom in FIGURE 5. When the clutch is disengaged the shaft 65 may berotated manually for quick adjustment positioning of the mechanism. Thespecimen clutch 81 serves a similar function.

The clutch provides one of the outstanding advantages of the inventionin that simple, quick and positive gear engagement is obtained Withoutany end play or other disadvantages which might affect the accuracy ofthe gear train. More important, no torque load or friction is imposed onthe system and therefore the high accuracy of the mechanism is notaffected by the presence of the clutches.

X-ray tube shutter In FIGURES 11 and 12 the details of the novel andimproved window shutter assembly shown generally at in FIGURE 1 andother of the drawings are shown. The assembly 115 includes a shutterretaining mounting plate 9 116 which is fixed to one face of the anodeend 47 of the X-ray tube housing. A shutter member 117 is mounted in themounting plate 116 for rectilinear movement.

The mounting plate has a pair of light emitting holes 118 near the top.The shutter 117 includes a pair of light blocking arms 119 and an X-raywindow cover plate or shutter 120. The shutter member 117 also has adownwardly extending arm. The shutter arm has a notch 121 in its sideand a control tab 122 at its end remote from the shutter 120. A spring123 is interposed between the shutter and the mounting plate 116normally urging the shutter member into a closed position. When theshutter member is in a closed position the shutter is positioned acrossthe tube window 53 to block the emission of X-rays. The light blockingarms 119 are positioned across the light apertures 118 to prevent theemission of light through the apertures when the shutter member isclosed.

The shutter member may be opened manually to facilitate setting up thedilfractometer for study. When the shutter member is manually opened alatch 124 may be slid manually to engage the notch 121. This notch-latchengagement holds the shutter member in an opened position exposing boththe X-ray Window and the light aperture 118. When the difiractometer isin use in a study, the shutter is normally held open by a solenoid, notshown. Preferably the solenoid is in a timer circuit, a circuit used tooperate a scaler so that the shutter will automatically close at theconclusion of a study. The shutter will also close automatically ifthere is a power failure.

Lights 114 are provided and positioned in line with the apertures 118and behind the arms 119. The lights 114 are turned on when the mainpower of the X-ray generator is turned on. Thus, before the X-ray tubeis turned on, the operator will have a visual indication throughapertures 118 as to whether or not a shutter member is open.

The mounting plate 116 is chamfered on either side at 125. With thisconstruction, four such mounting plates may be mounted against therespective faces of the square end 47 of an X-ray tube. When so mountedthe mounting plates completely surround the tube end 47. Each light 114is mounted at a corner of the X-ray tube end 47 and may be seen throughone of the apertures 118 in each of two of the mounting plates 116.

A filter retainer is secured to the mounting plate 116. A filter wheel127 has a shaft 128 which projects into suitable openings 129 in theplates 116, 126. The filter wheel 127 has, in the preferred anddisclosed embodiment, three filter windows 130 which carry suitableX-ray filter elements. Rotative adjustment of the filter wheel isobtained by a handled rotating knob 131 which is connected to a gearsegment 132. The gear segment 132 engages a pinion 133 which is mountedon the filter Wheel shaft 128. A detent 134 is carried by the filterretainer plate 126 to locate the filter wheel in a selected one of threepositions with a filter 130 aligned with the X-ray beam.

A collimator connecting plate 135 is carried by the filter retainerplate 126. The collimator connector plate has oppositely directedtongues 136, each of which is accurately curved. The tongues 136 looselyfit in complemental arcuately curved grooves 137 formed in the filteradaptor plate 126. An annular recess 139 circumscribes an X-ray window140 in the collimator connecting plate 135. The collimator plate 135 maybe shifted up and down about the axis of the arcuately curved tongues136 and may be rocked sidewise due to the loose fit of the tongue 136and the grooves 137 This permits proper collimator alignment with theX-ray tube focal spot while the X-ray tube is turned on without anydanger of scatter radiation or other hazards.

19 Special applications In FIGURES 13, 14 and 15, three applications ofthe novel and improved dilfractometer of this invention are shown toemphasize the advantages of the various features which have beendescribed. In FIGURE 13 two ditfractometers are positioned side by sideto operate with a single X-ray tube. The tube is supported by the righthand ditfractometer which simply rests on a side wall. The leftdilfractometer is leveled on screws 158. The tube support bracket isretained in place on the left hand dilfractometer to support one of theleveling screws. The tube normally supported by the difiractometer atthe left in FIGURE 13 and the connected tube adjustment screw 52 havebeen removed to facilitate alignment with the tube supported by thediffractometer at the right of the drawing. The alignment of the leftdiffractometer with the X-ray tube and the connection of a collimatorare greatly facilitated by the described novel and improved X-rayshutter arrangement. Further, this alignment and connection may, for thefirst time, be accomplished safely while the tube is in use.

Another advantage of this unit which will be apparent from a study ofFIGURE 13 is that a diffraction camera may be mounted directly on thetube in alignment with a third tube window. Thus, a third study may beset up and conducted while the two diifractometer studies are inprogress.

In FIGURE 14 the device is shown hung from a wall with a specimen housedwithin a cover 145 which may be evacuated. This drawing emphasizes theadvantages of the novel and improved bearing arrangement, which, amongother advantages, permits movement of the specimen and detector, or ifdesired X-ray tube and detector relative to one another and a fixedspecimen as shown in FIGURE 14, or movement of specimen and tuberelative to one another and a fixed detector as shown in FIGURE 15. Thebearing arrangement also permits a very high vacuum to be obtainedwithout in any way interfering with the operation of the device orlimiting the range of rotation of the specimen, detector and/or tube.

In FIGURE 15 the novel and improved bearing arrangement is used todifferent advantage by permitting a radioactive specimen 146 to .bebrought from a storage position, not shown, by a simplified elevatorarrangement 147. With this arrangement dangerous specimen such asradioactive material can be studied while keeping the diffractometeroperator completely safe from exposure to the substance.

Although the invention has been described in its preferred form with acertain degree of particularity, it is understood that the presentdisclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of exampleand that numerous changes in the details of construction and thecombination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to withoutdeparting from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafterclaimed.

What is claimed is:

1. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing device the combination of, asupport housing having first and second spaced walls, each of said wallshaving a support aperture, the apertures being in alignment, a tubularbearing support secured tothe housing first wall in axial alignment withthe first wall aperture, first and second tubular sleeves, said sleevesand support being telescoped together in bearinged relatively rotatablerelationship, said sleeves and support together forming an objectsupporting body projecting through said second wall aperture, and powertrain means carried in the housing and in operative engagement with eachof the sleeves to rotate the sleeves relative to one another andrelative to the support whereby said sleeves form rotatable members forsupporting objects and devices used in nondestructive X-ray analyses.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the first wall is a ower support walland wherein the housing has a second upport Wall parallel with the axisof the sleeves and lOIIIlal to the lower support wall.

3. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing device having frame member witha lower wall, the device being posiionable with a selected one of thewalls, the combination If, an upper wall opposite the lower wall, theupper .nd lower walls each having an aperture therein, an .nnularsupport secured to the lower wall in axial alignnent with the lower wallaperture and projecting through he upper wall aperture, a first sleevetelescoped over he support in a snug bearinged fit for relative rotationherewith, a second sleeve telescoped over the first sleeve 11 a snugbearinged fit and rotatable relative to the first leeve and relative tothe support, means operably connected to each of the sleeves and to thesupport to mainain the sleeves and the support in axially fixedrelationhip, and drive means disposed between the spaced walls 1ndcarried by the frame in operative engagement with :ach of the sleeves torotate the sleeves relative to one mother and relative to the supportwhereby said sleeves 'or rotatable members for supporting objects anddeices used in none destructive X ray analyses.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein a co-acting X-ray .tudy element isconnected to the frame in a fixed relaive position and disposed at leastin part within the nterior of said annular support.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein the means maintainmg the sleeves andsupport in a fixed axial position 'elatively includes a first thrustbearing interposed be- .ween the first sleeve and the support and asecond hrust bearing interposed between the first and second ;leeves.

6. The device of claim 3 wherein the drive means in- :ludes first andsecond annular gears secured to the first and second sleevesrespectively, first and second worms :ngaging the first and second gearsrespectively, and -esilient means connected to the frame and urging theworms into engagement with the gears.

7. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing device, the im- Jrovernent whichcomprises a frame structure having a 33.86 wall and a spaced wall, eachof the walls having a :hrough aperture formed therein, the aperturesbeing in axial alignment, said base wall having an alignment surfaceiefining the peripheral extremity of said 'base wall aper- Lure, saidbase wall having an inner support surface on lts side nearest saidspaced wall, a tubular support posi- ;ioned in the frame and projectingthrough both of the wall apertures, said support being in aligningabutment with said alignment surface, said support including anexternal, laterally extending flange in abutment with said .aterallyextending base support surface, said support and frame being securedtogether against relative movement, said support including a rotatablesleeve support portion extending from said flange to the support endremote from said base, said sleeve support position including journalbearing cylindrical surfaces formed on the peripheral extremitiesthereof, said flange including a thrust bearing surface adjacent saidrotatable drive support portion and extending laterally therefrom, afirst rotatable sleeve telescoped over said projection, a thrust bearinginterposed between the first sleeve and said flange thrust bearingsurface, a stop member secured to the remote end of the support andoverlapping the first rotatable sleeve to prevent relative axialmovement between the support and the first rotatable sleeve, said firstrotatable sleeve including an external radially extending support flangein the lower portion thereof, a first rotatable sleeve including asecond rotatable sleeve Support portion extending from said flange tothe end remote from said base, said second sleeve support portionincluding cylindrically contoured journal bearing portion definingperipheral extremities thereof, a second tubular rotatable sleevetelescoped over the first, a thrust bearing interposed between the firstsleeve flange and the second sleeve, and a stop member fixed to theremote end of the first sleeve and overlapping the second to preventrelative axial movement between the two.

8. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing device having a frame memberwith a lower support wall and spaced end support walls, the device beingpoistionable with a selected one of the support walls as a base wall,the combination of an upper wall opposite the lower wall, the upper andlower walls each having an aperture therein, an annular support securedto the lower wall in axial alignment with the lower wall aperture andprojecting through the upper wall aperture, a first sleeve telescopedover the support in a snug bearinged fit for relative rotationtherewith, a second sleeve telescoped over the first sleeve in a snugbearinged fit and rotatable relative to the first sleeve and relative tothe support, means connected to the sleeves and the support to maintainthe sleeves and the support in axially fixed relationship, an annularmounting member telescoped over the sleeves and fixed to the secondsleeve for rotation therewith, said mounting member extending radiallyoutwardly from said second sleeve and overlying said upper wallaperture, said mounting member being disposed on a side of said upperwall opposite said lower wall, the mounting member including a generallyradially projecting detector mounting arm, and drive means disposedbetween the spaced walls and carried by the frame in opertaiveengagement with each of the sleeves to rotate the first sleeve and themounting member fixed to the first sleeve relative the second sleeve andto rotate the sleeves relative to the support.

9. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing device the combination of, aprincipal housing, a pair of relatively rotatable sleeve-like supportmembers journaled in the principal housing, each of said sleeve-likesupport members including a driven gear means, a secondary housingremovably secured to the principal housing, said housings includingcomplemental locating surfaces abuttable to orient said housings into aselected relative position, connection means fixing the housingstogether with Said locating surfaces in abutment with one another, agear train carried by said secondary housing and in driving connectionwith each of said driven gear means, and power means connected to one ofthe housings and in driving connection with said gear train.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein said gear train includes at least oneindicator control shaft accessible through an aperture in a Wall of theprincipal housing.

11. The device of claim 9 wherein the secondary housing is disposedwithin the principal housing.

12. The device of claim 9 wherein a biasing means is interposed betweenthe housings to maintain the driving connection between the gear trainand the driven gear means- 13. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzingdevice the combination of a housing, specimen and detector support meanscarried by the housing for rotation about an axis, said housing beingsymmetrical about a plane passing through said axis, the housing havingfirst and second spaced non-parallel end Walls generally parallelingsaid axis and symmetrically disposed on either side of said plane, afirst side wall extending from one end to the other transverse to saidplane of symmetry, the housing also having a second side wall includingfirst and second locating surfaces, the first locating surface beingnormal to the first end wall and on the same side of the plane ofsymmetry as the first end wall, and the second locating surface beingnormal to the second end wall and on the same side of the plane ofsymmetry as the second end wall.

14. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing device the combination of ahousing, specimen and detector support means carried by the housing forrotation about an axis, said housing including a first supporting basedisposed substantially normal to said axis, the housing including secondand third spaced supporting side bases paralleling said axis and normalto said first supporting base, said second and third supporting sidebases being non-parallel, each of said supporting bases beingconfigurated to support said device, and at least one of said supportingside bases including adjustable leveling leg means for supporting saiddevice when such one supporting side base is in device supporting use,whereby to provide a device in which one of the three supporting basesmay be selected to provide a base for the device to place said axis ineither a horizontal or a vertical position.

15. In combination, a pair of non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanismsrelatively positioned on a support, a multi-windowed X-ray tube securedto one of the mechanisms, each of said mechanisms including first andsecond sleeves rotatable with respect to one another and to the tube, apair of specimens each secured to one of the second sleeves, tubeadjustment means interposed between the tube and said one mechanism toadjustably align a beam of X-rays transmitted through one of saidwindows with the specimen secured to the second sleeve of said onedetector, and adjustment means interposed between the other mechanismand the support to align the other of the specimens with a beam ofX-rays transmitted from another of said tube windows.

16. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing device including a housing andX-ray tube, the combination of a tube support secured to the housing andto the tube, said support comprising: a base, a segment of a spheresecured to the base, a first adjustable member swivelably secured to thesphere segment, a second adjustable member secured to the first andmovable in a rectilinear path of adjustment relative to the firstmember, a third adjustable member fixed to the tube and secured to thesecond member, the third member being movable along a second rectilinearpath of adjustment relative to the first and second members andtransverse to the first rectilinear path, a first adjustment meanssecured to the first and second members to cause selective relativeadjustment thereof along the first path, and a second adjustment meanssecured to the second and third members to cause selective relativeadjustment thereof along the second path.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein the first and sec- 'ond membersinclude a coacting tongue and groove and the second and third membersinclude a coacting tongue and groove, each such tongue and groovedefining one of said paths and wherein each of said adjustment meanscomprises a screw carried by one member and in threaded engagement withanother.

18. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing device having a housing andfirst and second rotatable members journaled in the housing, first andsecond motor elements, and first and second shaft elements connectingthe first and second motor elements to the first and second rotatablemembers respectively, and combination of, first and second clutchesinterposed between the first motor element and the first member and thesecond motor element and the second member respectively and connected tothe first and second shaft elements respectively, each of said clutchescomprising, a spline secured to one of the elements of one member, aslidable member mounted on the spline and having an internal gearengaged with the spline for slidable movement therealong, the slidablemember and the spline each having an annular groove formed therein, aBelleville spring interposed between the spline and the slidable memberand projecting into the grooves, an engageable member connected to theother of the elements of the same member, said slidable member having afirst position abutting said engageable member, the slidable member andthe engageable member having coacting surfaces interlocking the two toprevent relative rotation when the slidable member is in said firstposition in engagement with the engageable member, said slidable memberhaving disengaged second position, and means 14 connected to theslidable member to selectively shift tht member from the engaged firstposition to the disengaged second position and return.

19. The device of claim 18 wherein said coacting surfaces each have aplurality of radially disposed teeth.

20. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism including relativelyrotatable theta and two-theta members mounted in a housing, thecombination of:

(a) a housed X-ray tube adapted to emit a beam of X-rays;

(b) support means mounting the tube on the housing and fixing it to thehousing;

(c) said support means including adjustment means to adjust the positionof the tube relative to the housing and to align the beam of X-raysemitted by the tube with an object carried by at least one of therelatively rotatable theta and two-theta members; and,

((1) said support means holding said tube and housing together toprevent relative independent movement from an adjusted position.

21. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism including relativelyrotatable theta and two-theta members mounted in a housing, thecombination of:

(a) a housed X-ray tube adapted to emit a beam of X-rays;

(b) first and second spaced supports securing the tube and housingtogether;

(c) said first support including a pivot connection;

and,

(d) said second support including means to rotate the tube about theaxis of the pivot connection.

22. The device of claim 21 wherein said pivot connection includes aspherical bearing.

23. The device of claim 21 wherein the first support includes means toadjust translation of the tube relative to the mechanism housing.

24. The device of claim 21 wherein said first support includes a firstmeans to adjust the position of the tube relative to the housing along apath transverse to the axis of the pivot connection, and a second meansto adjust the position of the tube relative to the housing along a pathtransverse to both the axis of the pivot connection and the first pathof adjustment.

25. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism having first andsecond support members journaled in a housing for relative angularrotation, a drive system for selectively motivating the support membersat predetermined angular velocities, said drive system comprising:

(a) first and second power means mounted in the housing;

(b) a first drive means connecting the first power means to the firstsupport member;

(c) a second drive means connecting the second power means to the secondsupport member;

((1) means interconnecting said first and second drive means so thatangular rotation of the support members is obtained by selectiveoperation of one or both of said power means whereby a first relativesupport member movement is obtained by the selective operation of one ofsaid power means and a second different relative support member movementis obtained by the selective operation of both of said power means.

26. In a non-destructive analyzing mechanism having first and secondsupport members journaled in the housing for rotation, the combinationof:

(a) first and second power means mounted in the housing;

(b) a first drive train connecting the first power means to the firstmember;

(c) a second drive train connecting the second power means to the secondmember;

((1) said second drive train including a differential;

and,

(c) said first drive train being connected to the differential .toprovide an X-ray analyzing mechanism in which support member rotation isobtained by selective operation of one or both power means.

27. The device of claim 26 wherein each drive train eludes an actuatableclutch to permit selective disentgement of the power means andpositioning of the embers when the power means are disengaged.

28. The device of claim 27 wherein the power means 'e electric motors.

29. The device of claim 26 wherein at least one drive ain includes aworm and worm gear between its power ieans and the differential with theworm connected to power means and acting as a brake when its power leansis not operating.

30. A non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism Jmprising:

(a) ahousing;

(b) first and second relatively rotatable support sleeves provided inthe housing;

(c) first and second worm gears secured to the first and second supportsleeves respectively;

(d) first and second worms meshed with the first and second gearsrespectively;

(e) first and second motors in the housing and operatively connected tothe first and second worms respectively;

(f) a differential operatively connected to and between the first motorand the first worm gear; and,

(g) the second motor being operatively connected to the differential.

31. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism .aving first andsecond support members journaled in a ousing for relative rotation ofdevices attached to the upport members, a drive system for selectivelymotivatng the support members at predetermined angular veocities, saiddrive system comprising:

(a) first and second power means mounted in the hous- (b) a first drivetrain connecting the first power means to the first member;

(c) a second drive train connecting the second power means to the secondsupport member;

((1) said second drive train including a differential, said differentialhaving first and second end gears and a planetary gear operativelydriven by said first and second end gears;

(e) said second power means motivating said second member through thefirst end gear and the planetary gear of the differential;

(f) said first drive train being operatively connected to said secondend gear and motivating said second support member through the secondend gear and the planetary gear of the differential, whereby said firstand second support members are rotated relatively by the operation ofone or both of the power means and the other of the power means acts asa brake when only one such power means is operative.

32. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism raving first andsecond support members journaled in a rousing for relative rotation ofdevices attached to the sup- )ort members, a drive system forselectively motivating raid support members at predetermined relativeangular velocities, said drive system comprising:

(a) first and second worm gears secured to the first and second supportmembers respectively;

(b) first and second worms meshed with the first and second worm gearsrespectively;

(0) first and second motors mounted in said housing;

(d) first and second drive means operatively connecting said first andsecond motors to said first and second worms, respectively;

e said second drive means including a differential;

(f) said differential having first and second end gears and a planetarygear operatively driven by said first and second end gears;

(g) said second motor motivating said second worm through the first endgear and the planetary gear of the differential;

(h) said first drive means being operatively connected to said secondend gear and motivating said second worm through the second end gear andthe planetary gear of the differential, whereby said first and secondsupport members are rotated by the operation of one or both of themotors and the other motor acts as a brake when only one such motor isoperative.

33. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism having supportmembers journa'led in a primary housing for relative rotation, a drivemechanism for motivating the rotatable support members, said drivingmechanism comprising:

(a) driven gear means secured to each of the support members;

(b) a secondary housing removably secured to said primary housing;

(c) a gear train carried in said secondary housing and connecta'ble witheach of said driven gear means;

((1) said housings including complemental locating surfaces abuttable toorient housings into a selected relative position where said gear traincarried by said secondary housing is in driving connection with each ofsaid driven gear means; and,

(e) connection means releasab-ly fixing the housings together with saidlocating surfaces in abutment with one another.

34. A non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism comprising:

(a) a base;

(b) support members rotatably mounted on said base and being relativelyrotatable;

(c) an X-ray tube supported by a tube housing;

((1) support means being connected to said base and said tube housingand mounting said tube housing on said base and adjacent said rotatablesupport members;

(e) said tube housing having an X-ray pervious opening adjacent thefocal spot of the X-ray tube and facing toward said rotatable supportmembers; and,

(f) said support means being connected to said tube housing near thefocal spot of said X-ray tube so that expansion of said X-ray tube andtube housing does not move the focal spot relative to said base.

35. The device of claim 34 including, in combination:

(g) said support means including adjustment means to adjust translationof the X-ray tube relative to the base.

36. The device of claim 35 wherein said adjustment means adjuststangential and radial translation of the X- ray tube relative to theaxis of rotation of said support members.

37. The device of claim 34 including, in combination:

(-g) said support means including adjustment means to adjust the spacingbetween said X-ray tube and said base.

38. A non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism comprising:

(f) said support means being connected to said housing by a rotatableconnection located near said X-ray pervious opening so that said X-raytube is angularly movable relative to said base and rotatablesubstantially about the focal spot of the tube.

39. The device of claim 38 including, in combination! (g) adjustmentmeans carried by said base spaced from said support means and abuttingsaid X-ray tube to adjust the angular position of said X-ray tuberelative to said base.

40. A non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism comprising:

'(a) a'base;

(b) support members rotatably mounted on said base and being relativelyrotatable;

(c) an X ray tube supported by a tube housing;

((1) a pair of spaced tube supports mounting said tube housing on saidbase and adjacent said rotatable support members;

i (e) said tube housing having an X-ray pervious opening adjacent thefocal spot of the X-ray tube and facing toward said rotatable supportmembers; and,

(f) one of said tube supports supporting said tube housing near thefocal spot of the X-ray tube and the other of said tube supportssupporting the tube housing spaced from the focal spot of the X-raytube.

41. The device of claim 40 wherein at least one of said tube supports isadjustable to adjust the angular position of the X-ray tube axisrelative to said base.

42. The device of claim 40 wherein said one tube support is connected tothe tube housing and the tube housing is slidably supported by saidother tube support so that expansive movement of said tube and tubehousing is relative to said other tube support and not to said one tubesupport.

43. A non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism comprising:

(a) a mechanism housing;

(-b) first and second support members rotatably mounted on said housingfor relative angular rotation, each of said support members beingrotatable relative to said housing;

(c) driving means connected to said support members for rotating saidsupport members in said housing at a predetermined relative angularrotation;

(d) clutch means interposed between said driving means and at least oneof said support members, said clutch means being actuatable todisconnect said one support member; and,

(e) an adjustment member carried by said housing and connected to saidone support member for selectively adjusting the angular position ofsaid one support member by rotating said support member relative to saidbase when said clutch means is actuated to disconnect said one supportmember from said driving means.

44. The combination of claim 43 wherein said clutch means is interposedbetween the driving means and both said support members, and a secondadjustment member is carried by the housing and is connected to theother support member for selectively adjusting the angular positions ofthe support members relative to each other and to the housing.

45. A non-destructive X-ray analyzing device, a plurality of which maybe positioned side-by-side for simultaneously conducting a plurality ofX-ray studies from a single X-ray tube mounted on one of the devices:

(a) each device comprising:

(i) a housing having upper and lower face walls and at least four sidewalls; (ii) said side walls including spaced, non-parallel end wallssubstantially normal to the lowe1 face wall, said end walls beingsymmetrically disposed about a plane of symmetry; and,

(iii) said housing including first and second mounting means disposedsymmetrically on opposite sides of the plane;

(b) bracket means connectable to said first and sec ond mounting meansof one of said devices selectively one atra time and being connected toone of said mounting means;

(c) an X-ray tube mounted on said bracket mean: and adjustably securedagainst movement relative tc the bracket means when a selected one ofsaid enc' walls and lower face is the housing base of said one device;and,

(d) said bracket including adjustment means for adjusting the alignmentof the X-ray tube with an object supported by said one analyzing device.

46. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism 0 includingrelatively rotatable theta and two-theta members rotatably mounted in ahousing, the combination of:

(a) a housed X-ray tube adapted to emit a beam 01 X-rays;

(b) support means securing the tube to the housing;

and,

(c) said support means including:

(i) a spherical bearing interposed between the tube and the housing sothat the tube is angularly positionable relative to the housing;

(ii) means for adjusting the angle of the tube relative to the housing;and, (iii) means to adjust translation of the tube relative to thehousing. 47. In a non-destructive X-ray analyzing mechanism having firstand second support members rotatably mounted in a housing for relativeangular rotation, a drive system mounted in the housing for selectivelymotivating the support members, said drive system comprising:

(a) first and second power means; (b) drive means operatively connectingthe first power means to the first support member; (c) differentialmeans having first and second input shaft means operatively connected tosaid first and second power means respectively and an output shaft meansoperatively connected to said second support member, said output shaftmeans being rotatable at a speed which is a predetermined resultant ofthe speeds of said first and second input shaft means so that rotationof said support members is obtained by selective operation of one orboth of said power means and the other of said power means acts as abrake when only one of such power means is operative.

48. The X-ray analyzing mechanism of claim 47 wherein at least one ofthe power means is reversible.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,453,798 11/1948Kloos 25051.5 X 2,805,341 9/1957 Lang 25051.5 2,805,343 9/1957 Lang25051.5 2,826,083 3/ 1958 Archbold 74-70 2,870,337 1/1959 Nell 25051.5

2,939,007 5/1960 Keesaer 25051.5 X 3,051,834 8/1962 Shimula et al.25051.5

OTHER REFERENCES X-Ray Diffraction Procedures, by Klug and Alexander,1954, pp. 244-245.

RALPH G. NILSON, Primary Examiner.

1. IN A NON-DESTRUCTIVE X-RAY ANALYZING DEVICE THE COMBINATION OF, ASUPPORT HOUSING HAVING FIRST AND SECOND SPACED WALLS, EACH OF SAID WALLSHAVING A SUPPORT APERTURE, THE APERTURES BEING IN ALIGNMENT, A TUBULARBEARING SUPPORT SECURED TO THE HOUSING FIRST WALL IN AXIAL ALIGNMENTWITH THE FIRST WALL APERTURE, FIRST AND SECOND TUBULAR SLEEVES, SAIDSLEEVES AND SUPPORT BEING TELESCOPED TOGETHER IN BEARINGED RELATIVELYROTATABLE RELATIONSHIP,